Vegan Christmas Cookies From One Reliable Dough

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups flour (281 g)
• 1/2 cup sugar (100 g)
• 1/2 cup vegan butter (113 g)
• 1/4 cup applesauce (61 g)
• 2 tablespoons plant milk (30 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (4 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (1 g)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (240 g)
• 3 tablespoons plant milk (45 g)
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup, optional (20 g)
• 1/4 cup red and green sanding sugar, optional (40 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare pans. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Set the vegan butter on the counter until softened but not melted. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl, then set it aside.
2. Mix wet ingredients. Beat vegan butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until evenly combined and slightly lighter, about 2 minutes. Beat in applesauce, 2 tablespoons plant milk, and vanilla, scraping down the bowl once.
3. Finish dough. Add the flour mixture and mix on low just until a soft dough forms with no dry streaks. Divide it into two equal discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Cut cookies. Heat the oven to 350°F. Roll one disc between parchment sheets to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes, transfer them to prepared sheets, and sprinkle with sanding sugar if using. Reroll scraps once.
5. Bake. Bake one sheet at a time for 9 to 11 minutes, until edges are set while tops remain pale. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a rack.
6. Glaze cookies. Whisk powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons plant milk, and corn syrup until smooth. Add more plant milk by drops if needed. Drizzle or spread glaze over completely cooled cookies, then let it set before stacking.

Notes

• Use vegan butter sticks rather than a soft tub spread. Stick butter chills more firmly, which helps the dough roll cleanly and keeps smaller cutter details distinct during baking.
• If the dough cracks while rolling, leave it between the parchment for 3 minutes. The brief rest softens the surface without making the dough sticky or requiring extra flour.

Nutrition Facts